"Governor's veto ignites high-stakes showdown over election bill in North Carolina"

North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper has vetoed a Republican elections bill that would eliminate a grace period for voting by mail and expand allowances for partisan poll observers. Cooper accused Republicans of launching an "all-out assault on the right to vote" in an attempt to maintain and gain power. The bill, which would disproportionately affect young and nonwhite voters, is expected to face an override showdown with the GOP supermajority. Another bill that would strip the governor's appointment power to various boards and commissions was also vetoed. Both major parties are strengthening their forces in the state ahead of the 2024 elections.